An elderly parent may add their adult child on to title of their home for various reasons including avoiding probate but as a recent case demonstrates there are risks in doing so. The Applicant was the 88 year old mother of the Respondent. In 2009, she and her late husband bought a house together (the “Property”). In 2014, the Respondent moved in with them. At that time, the Applicant was….
The Regrettable Gift Continue Reading »
Estate Litigation
Canadians are familiar with the concept of joint ownership with right of survivorship. It is the prevalent form of ownership between spouses. Therefore, it is not uncommon for Canadians to own U.S. real property or other U.S. property, jointly, especially between spouses. Many are of the view that it will simplify the estate plan and succession of the U.S. property to the surviving owner yet, few understand the U.S. estate….
Joint Ownership & U.S. Estate Tax Considerations Continue Reading »
International, Joint Tenancy, Real Estate, Succession Planning, Tax Issues, United States, US Taxes
The benefits of joint property ownership as an estate and probate planning strategy are well known; property vests to the surviving owner(s) on death thus, bypassing the estate and avoiding probate fees. In the right circumstances, joint ownership works great and facilitates the succession of the property. However, what may be overlooked are the potential unintended tax consequences associated with joint ownership. Joint Ownership: Legal vs Tax For legal purposes,….
Joint Ownership & Tax Considerations Continue Reading »
Estate Planning, Joint Tenancy, Probate Tax, Resulting Trust, Tax Issues